The name Prada has become synonymous with style and luxury, with Prada handbags nearing cultural status symbol significance. Not only are they some of the most exclusive and sought after handbags in the world, they have taken their place in popular culture with stores in practically every country in the western world. It is a million dollar concern, with every celebrity wearing Prada accessories. If you didn’t know before, “The Devil Wears Prada” put you in the know!
Prada began in 1913 when Mario Prada began selling shoes, handbags and trunks in Milan, Italy. His classic walrus skin suitcase gave way to the lighter, more practical suitcases as air travel made the heavy trunks obsolete. With the change to lighter materials he began to add high quality accents to his bags such as crystal or tortoise shell and wood. His business expanded to include waterproof garments sold primarily to the US market.
Muiccia Prada was born in 1950. In the early 70’s she began to make her own bags out of a waterproof fabric called Pocone. In 1979, she took over grandfather’s business and expanded it. She added luxury tote bags and backpacks made from nylon, to the line.
Miuccia Prada uses a lot of crunchy polyester, parachute nylon and other synthetic fabrics. She likes battleship green, browns, white, cream, and black colours. Her clothes, though often deceptively plain looking, have become widely influential. She gives traditional garments a modern handling, like trimming nylon parkas with mink and making trench coats and twin sets out of silk faille. It seems that the whole world craves Prada’s ice-cool minimalism and deadpan eroticism.
Today, Prada is know world-wide for amazing handbags and shoes, with clothing and accessories not far behind. To see authentic designer handbags, including Prada, Gucci, Miu Miu and more take at look at this exclusive online boutique: UnusualThreads.com

Louis Vuitton handbags and luggage are known around the world as representing the height of hand workmanship, design and status. To this day Louis Vuitton products are all handmade and tightly controlled to prevent counterfeit products. Even if you purchase this brand from a department store, it was sold by a highly trained Vuitton employee.

The story of how the original Louis became a world-renowned brand and status symbol is a rags-to-riches story that began in the late 19th Century. In 1835 at the age of 14, before he knew anything about making luggage, he walked 249 miles to make a new life in Paris. In 1854 he opened his first Parisian boutique stocked with his flat-top trunks (other trunks of the time had rounded tops and were not stackable), hat boxes and other travel luxuries for the wealthy. In 1892, Louis Vuitton died and left the business to his son George, who wasted no time in making the name a global brand name.

The now-famous monogram was originally created to prevent counterfeiting and is considered the first modern design “label.” Ironically, this brand of handbags and luggage fashions are the most counterfeited items today. The company goes to great lengths to mitigate industrial espionage – mostly by keeping a tight control on products around the world.

These methods include a team of attorneys and investigators who attempt to suss out and stop known counterfeiters. The company only sells product in an authorized boutique or online at their own Web site or from eluxury. Any other site or merchant claiming to sell authentic LV product is being dishonest and probably breaking some laws.

Auction sites (such as eBay) dealing with individual sellers may or may not have the authentic merchandise they claim to have. Spotting a fake LV is easily done in person if you know what you’re looking for. Spotting an online fake is slightly more difficult but there are entire Web sites devoted to pointing out the subtle yet glaring attempts to make and sell ‘exact’ copies that claim authenticity.

Sites with authentic and fake photos side-by-side do the best job of illustrating these differences. One of the biggest giveaways are off-centered LV’s. Authentic LV’s are always centered and not tilted to one side or another. Also, if the LV’s are upright on both sides of the item, it may be a fake. When dealing with an individual Internet seller request more photos to ensure they aren’t using stolen photos of the product from the main site.

Any site or seller offering any product for considerably less than retail is probably not for real. Another dead giveaway is the dust bag. If the dust bag is included, an authentic dust bag will have no rounded corners and will be made of quality material. Basically if you are considering dropping $1,000 on an authentic LV fashion handbag, buy direct from the company to ensure your money doesn’t go to waste!

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her useful articles on fashion handbags, visit Handbags, supplier of discount designer handbags.

Women love designer handbags and women love bargains. Put together these two things, and you get the discount designer handbag. Many times, women who love the appearance and quality associated with designer handbags don’t want to pay retail prices. The great news is that they may not have to. There are many different places where a savvy shopper can find a discount designer handbag.

There are several online retailers who offer a fabulous selection of genuine designer handbags at discounted prices. Brands Boutique is one such retailer. Brands Boutique boasts of a sizable inventory and wide selection of discount designer handbags, as well as many other types of discounted designer merchandise.

Those who shop with Brands Boutique can enjoy deep discounts on a wide variety of popular, high-end designers merchandise. The wide selection of designer merchandise available from Brands Boutique includes a wide selection of handbags designed by Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Diesel, Chloe, Chanel, Burberry, Balenciaga, Armani and many others. In addition to great deals on discount designer handbags, bargain hunters may also discover discounts on famous designer apparel and other accessories at Brands Boutique.

At Brands Boutique, bargain hunters have found excellent discount prices on classic handbags including the Gucci vintage aqua blue Jackie O shoulder bag — the coveted red Birkin bag. Discount prices are also available on some of the more trendy designer handbags such as the Christian Dior denim handbag, the G Star recycled paper tote bag and the Dries van Noten distressed leather shoulder bag.

Another excellent online retailer specializing in discount designer handbags is Handbag Crew. While you aren’t likely to find designer clothing at the Handbag Crew website, you will find an amazing selection of high-end discount designer handbags. This retailer specializes in the most sought-after designers such as Prada, Marc Jacobs, Fendi and others.

If you don’t find the discount designer handbag of your dreams at the first online retailer you investigate, keep looking. There are many online retailers that offer a wide array of designer handbags at excellent discount prices. Remember that bargain hunting takes time and sometimes requires strategy. That is why it is called hunting! Make sure to purchase your discount designer handbag from a retailer that certifies the authenticity of your purchase and offers deeply discount pricing. There is nothing more satisfying than finding a great deal on the perfect designer handbag to complete your wardrobe.

Find more Helpful handbags tips, advice (and Resources) on www.handbagsonsalenow.com A Popular website that specializes in Sources of Handbags to include Cheap Designer Handbag, Wholesale Handbags and Discount Gucci Handbag

If you intend to buy authentic and replica designer handbags online, you need to take necessary steps to ensure that what you are getting are quality handbags and not getting yourself duped in the process.

The first thing you need to do is to watch for photographs of the handbags on offer. If there is only one photo, you should skip and look for another one. A lack of photographs not only looks suspicious but it does not give you a chance to really look at the handbag you intend to buy.

The best ones include those that show the handbag on offer at all angles. This way you get to look at the tell-tale signs of an authentic designer or replica handbag by looking at things like serial numbers, zippers and designer logos. Also, look out for the stitching and difference in colors.

Do not be fooled by the price either. A handbag which looks cheap will probably be priced cheap as well. Perhaps adding another 50 dollars for another bag you see can let you have something that is of a better quality. Authentic handbags usually do not come cheap while replica designer bags or purses can save you a lot of money while still looking like the real thing. The only thing is getting duped to buy non-quality bags.

If you find a bag which you like very much but only shows one photo and having vague descriptions, you can always ask the seller a question as some of these sellers are genuinely selling their collection of handbags but just do not know how to project their message across online. It does not hurt to ask them either and from their response they could probably send you some more pictures and more detailed descriptions of the handbag trying to sell.

There are online retailers which only show you original catalogue pictures of the bags which tell that they are either lazy or not genuine. Refrain from buying from them and go to another seller. You do not want to receive a handbag which appears different from the one you see online. Some of these sellers merely use the original catalogue photos to entice you to buy but in the end you do not get what you wanted.

Buying authentic and replica designer handbags online can be a fun and mesmerizing experience but you have to ensure you take some time to do a little homework which can save you from a lot of trouble later however do not let this hamper your online buying experience. It beats going to the mall anytime.

GetDesignerHandbags.com is your one-stop discount designer handbags resource. We provide a large selection of discount designer handbags and discount designer purses. Visit us online and choose from a wide range of authentic designer handbags.

Are you keeping up with the fashion of the trendy and trying to amass a sweet collection of elegant designer handbags? Then you will need to choose the right handbag that suits your personified lifestyle. Let me help you make your choices a lot easier.

You and I know that we women find it difficult sometimes to choose a designer handbag that is just right for us. The problem is there is no right or wrong handbag. It is how we intend to make use of it. Do we want something that we can carry along anything we desire for any outing or just a simple tote to fit some accessories and our precious purse. Perhaps it is best to do a personality check.

Have you ever wondered what you usually bring along with you every time you leave home? Are they just your purse and home keys? Ok, we have a slight ego. Please add car keys if any. How about a mobile phone? I sure would not miss my makeup but what about you? Ask yourself if there is anything that you never lug around.

If you like to dress casually and are always in a relaxed mood, you will need something comfortable. Go for a designer handbag that is simple and small. This way you would never end up squeezing your style. Some great choices would be messenger-type handbags or simply something over-the-shoulders to keep that chic look.

If you are like most women nowadays who run hectic schedules, you’d probably need a classic. As you are always moving about, you will need a designer handbag with a lot of functions. Notably those that have multiple pockets will suit your busy lifestyle

Lastly, if you are like me who go after solid, trendy fashion and always go after style than practicality, you need a big designer handbag. Why? Well, our vanity tells us that we should flaunt what we have and that includes our lovely handbags. I’d rather not be carrying something old fashioned.

Here’s a tip to stay on top of things or our handbags for that matter. Keep them organized at all times and never carry something that you do not need for the day. Go through your handbag on a monthly basis and get rid of those ugly dining receipts and re-arrange the makeup kit which always tends to fall apart. I’m guilty.

Enough said. Now go get that handbag girl! Another secret. I find great handbag deals online and save a bunch all the time.

GetDesignerHandbags.com is your one-stop discount designer handbags resource. We provide a large selection of discount designer handbags and discount designer purses. Visit us online and choose from a wide range of authentic designer handbags.

First of all, we all know handbags are big business. The leading designers like Prada, Gucci, Coach, Burberry, Dooney and Bourke all command huge investments when you purchase one of their purses, often in the thousands of dollars. So, it is no big surprise then that replica handbags, often called “knock-offs,” are just as big a business.

If you’re looking for the real deal for a steal, be aware that in order to actually get the authentic designer item you will have to most likely fork over the big bucks, regardless of that tip your friend gave you for a little shop where you can get the same thing for hundreds less. Not likely, say most experts. In fact, top designers make it rather common knowledge how you can spot the real product. And they say, you will not find a real Gucci through a street vendor, regardless of what he or she is advertising.

How do you tell the difference? Experts say there are all kinds of clues that will alert you to a fake. There is exact match of fabric and material, the way labels and decorations are attached to the bag, even what type of thread and stitches have been used. Tips such as these are just as handy when you are shopping for a replica and trying not to be duped into spending more than you must. Handbag counterfeiters try their hardest to lead you to believe that the bag you just picked up is a real Prada, and that you can have it for an attractive percentage less than the real thing just because that’s the last one they have in stock.

When you are shopping for a replica, shop with a vendor who advertises top quality replicas up front. A reputable retailer will be honest about their products, and their prices should reflect drastic differences between the authentic designer purses. Also, shop with a business that comes recommended from a friend or colleague. Shopping over the internet, sight unseen, experts warn, puts you at risk for being ripped off. Make sure the online retailer has drastic differences in prices from the originals. They should be honest that they are in fact selling replicas and not hinting that the handbags are originals with deep discounts. Most many consumers, quality replicas are a fine replacement for the original.

Designer handbags are popular because of their durability and style. However, the assurance of fashion and quality that goes hand in hand with a designer label usually comes with a high price tag. Thus, designer inspired bags may be a workable solution for those who love the designer look, but can’t quite swing the designer price tag.

When you want the look of a designer bag without having to pay the going rate for an authentic designer bag, you may love what you see when you check out the selection of designer inspired handbags.

Designer inspired handbags are not imitation designer handbags. In other words, they are not fake or knock-offs. Designer inspired handbags are simply designed in line with the current trends in handbag fashion, and so have a look and feel similar to that of fashionable designer handbags.

Don’t think fake when you think designer inspired. Instead, think trendy. Popular, high-end designers set the trends of what is and is not fashionable. Other manufacturers frequently take inspiration from the latest trends, which are usually first introduced to market by well-known designers.

By producing handbags that take their inspiration from the latest trend in designer handbags, less pricey manufacturers are able to make and market high-demand handbag styles on a larger scale. Many reputable handbag manufactures create and market designer inspired handbags that offer excellent quality and durability.

By purchasing a designer inspired handbag, you are able to outfit yourself with the latest trend in handbag fashion without spending a fortune. Many trendy handbags come in and out of fashion very quickly, so it makes sense to spend less on these types of bags.

What you lose when purchasing a designer inspired handbag rather than an original designer label is the status associated with owning a unique handbag that few people are able to have. The designer inspired bags are more widely available, which means they are much more common.

What you do gain when purchasing a designer inspired handbag is a fashion accessory that reflects an in-style look, and money left over to spend on something else!

Only You Can Decide

You are the only one who can decide if a designer inspired handbag will meet your needs, or if you should make the investment in an original designer accessory.

Perhaps Guccio Gucci never realized the extent at which his handbags will be adored by millions of women all across the world. From the time that he first opened his store in 1921 to the present time, he would not have imagined that his bags would stand the test of time and become one of the icons of the history of the fashion world and would give birth to a fashion house.

In fact, there are some who would kill for a Gucci handbag whether it be the new stocks that have come fresh from the designer’s notebooks or those that have already made the rounds of various thrift shops. No doubt, there is much value placed in an authentic Gucci handbag, whether it be 15 years old or 15 minutes old.

Guccio Gucci started with a small luggage and saddlery company in Florence, where he sold leather goods that are exclusively made by Florence craftsmen. Owning to the support of sophisticated international clients, Gucci opened another shop, this time in Via Condotti, Rome. Though quite popular with consumers, it was only in 1947 that the first Gucci handbag attained an icon status with the first handbag to have a bamboo handle. The handbag, introduced by Gucci, was a great success with the Gucci handbag symbol of striped webbing derived from saddle girth.The striped webbing symbol has become so distinctive and so identified with the Gucci products, whether handbags or clothes that it made into a trademark

Another icon Gucci handbag was introduced a couple of years after– the moccasin handbag with metal bit. When Gucci died in 1953, the company was riding its high especially with the opening of its first New York store, Hollywood stars Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Peter Sellers brought the brand into stardom but it was First lady Jackie Kennedy that popularized the bag that has come to be known today as the “Jackie O.”

After expansion in the United States and in Europe, Gucci opened his first stores in Asia, targeting Asian fashion capitals, Hong Kong and Tokyo in the seventies. In the early 80s, Maurizio Gucci took on the leadership and in 1984, Domenico de Sole became the president of Gucci America. Shares of the Gucci company was sold and de Sole became the CEO of the group NV.Today, Gucci handbags are still enjoying the adoration and adulation of many loyalists. In fact, their recent hobo bag designs are one of the top selling handbags in the market today. Even with its really obscene price, women line up the stores and even reserve their stocks of really great Gucci designs.

In 1990, Tom Ford took on the reins of Creative Director and brought the Gucci name back into the limelight with his great designs and innovations. Tom Ford’s first collection was a really big success not only in the American runways but also across the globe. Not only does Gucci been producing handbags, shoes and clothes, the company has also acquired a small but profitable watch company, Severin Montres in 1997.

The year 1998 saw the Gucci brand riding high with its being named European Company of the Year by the European Business Press Federation. In 2004, when Tom Ford left the company, Frida Giannini was appointed to head the Accessories collection, which would preside over the design and development of handbags. And even in 2005, when Gucci appointed Giannini as creative director for women’s ready to wear, she still continued her responsibilities with accessories and Gucci handbags.

There are many web sites out there claiming to sell authentic designer handbags. Unfortunately, many of these web sites, although claiming to sell authentic handbags, are in reality selling fakes. Here are some simple tips that can help you figure out whether a web site is selling authentic goods.

1. Guarantee: A web site selling authentic hand bags will always have a guarantee: Authentic or money back. If this policy is not listed on the web site, contact the web site operators to find out if they offer such a guarantee. If they don’t it indicates that they are not so very much convinced that the goods they are selling are really authentic.

2. Quality: If the web site claims that the products being sold are of the best quality, or something along these lines, something is wrong. If they are selling authentic goods, then the quality is constant and is equal to the quality offered by each competitor. If they talk about offering good quality, they are really saying that they have good quality fakes.

3. Chinese connections: Companies based in China are almost always selling fakes. To find out where a company is based, go to http://whois.sc and enter the domain name. You will normally see who registered this domain. If this is an address in China, stay away. The domain information will also include the IP address. Click on this IP address and see it’s information. You will, amongst other things, get a location. If the location is in China, stay away.

4. Louis Vuitton: If a web site is selling Louis Vuitton goods, this is usually a very bad sign. The only web sites that sell authentic Louis Vuitton goods are eluxury.com and vuitton.com. Other web sites may have a limited choice available in limited qualities, but even that is exceptional. Some people do sell authentic Louis Vuitton on eBay. These sellers will usually be a member of MyPoupette. Look for the MyPoupette logo before buying Louis Vuitton from eBay.

5. Contact: A trust worthy web site will list a street address. If a web site does not list a street address or phone number, stay away.

6. Return policy: Stay away from web sites that will not take returns.

There is no simply formula that will determine whether a web site sells authentic designer handbags. You always have to use your own judgment. But the above rules should help you make this judgment with better confidence.

Henk Devos is the founder of Genuine Designer Bags, a great source for authentic handbags by Fendi, Gucci, JP Tod’s, Marc Jacobs and more.

Buying your first designer purse can be quite an experience. You first have to know what type of bag you’re looking for as well as if the designer you’re looking to purchase from has anything like it. Most of the time, you’ve already seen the bag that you want and it’s just a matter of spending the money to get it. This is where the problem can be depending on if you have the money to purchase the bag or if you’re going to try and find the same designer bag for half the price.

The problem with finding designer bags for half the price is AUTHENTICITY. Authenticity comes with a price. If you want the good stuff then you have to spend good money.

High Fashion is exactly that High Fashion and you have to pay to look the part. Sure you can look the part for less but does it feel as good as knowing for sure that what you have is truely authentic. The answer is NO.

The high fashion designer bags that we all know are the Gucci, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Coach to name a few. There are noticeable differences in the real thing and the fake. The craftsmanship that goes into designer person are well above the work that is put into the fake designer bags.

Things to look for: the materials and fabrics that are used by the manufactures of designers bags are top quality. The material is of good quality. If it’s leather then the best leather is used, if fabric only the highest quality of that paticular fabric is used and if the fabric is printed then all the spacing or whatever design the designer is using at the time is all spaced and distributed evenly throughout the fabric. The quality of the stitching on a designer bag is sewn professionally with no skipped stiches or hanging strings. Everything about a designer bag is pretty much the same. The zippers are made of the finest quality as well as buckle and straps.

Today it is getting harder and harder to spot the fakes because the knock off manufacturers are so good at duplicating a replica that you just may not be able to tell. I’ve seen some really good knock off bags but if you do your research or just purchase from the designer you can’t go wrong. There are authorized dealers and websites that can sell designer bags but check them out first before purchasing.

Ebay is another place to get a designer bag but make sure it says Authentic and the seller has positive post and contact information.

With all that said, before purchasing your new designer purse make sure you get what you pay for.

“Sex appeal is 50 per cent what you’ve got and
50 per cent what people think you’ve got.”

-Sophia Loren

I don’t know the time or context in which Sophia said this but I re-discovered it in a book of quotes, “The Last Word-A Treasury of Women’s Quotes” by Carolyn Warner, published in 1992.
It’s safe to say, fourteen years later, that not a great deal of what ‘you’ve got’ is being left to the imagination. In a world gone mad, it’s more “if you’ve got it, flaunt it.”

For those women unwilling or unable to compete with the sexy, nubile, twig-skinny, nearly-naked, rich young girls, the only recourse is letting your accessories speak for you.

Personally I consider shoes to be utilitarian. With plantar fasciitis the need for comfort is non-negotiable. In fact if I had a nickel for everyone I know with some sort of foot problem, I’d be a rich woman. So, for me at least, shoes are not the thing that defines my look.

However, handbags are. Never before has selection been greater. The sheer number of designers pumping out at least two collections a year ensures product galore (and a very short shelf life for all but the most classic designs). The internet has served to make our world so much smaller. The world’s inventory is literally available in the comfort of our own homes.

Knock-offs play into Sophia’s “what people think you’ve got.” For those women inclined to create an impression, albeit false, knock-offs may be the answer—how to have the designer look when clearly you can’t afford it.

Most other women are content (or is that resigned?) to making their fashion dollar go as far as it can without resorting to copycat products. That may mean, in practical terms, just buying one really good leather bag each year plus a fun, funky, faux fad knowing full well it’s almost a throw-away.

Current handbag styles seem to fall into two loose groups. The trendiest ones are loaded with buckles, tassels, rings, straps, appliqués and jewels. In a word: bling. They tend to be over-sized, slouchy, unstructured. Group two are those classic styles, colors, construction and finishes that endure year in and year out. A toned down, more subtle bling. The sort of designs that become the mainstay of some of the world’s most successful and enduring design houses.

Both groups are available in price points exclusively for the ultra-rich, Hollywood starlet or more reasonably priced for you and me.

But back to Sophia…is it sexy to flaunt the illusion of wealth even if you can’t afford it? Or is it sexier to flaunt your authenticity—pulling together your very best look —with the greatest accessories you can afford.

Hazel Anaka is hooked on handbags and leather purses as evidenced by her online business http://www.powerofpurses.com. Her weekly column “From Where I Sit” appears online at http://www.voicemagazine.org and in print. Using 16 years of retail experience she’s just opened Heart Works Studio Gallery & Gift Shop near Andrew, AB Canada. Featuring her original art and eclectic gift ware, Heart Works also offers workshops in art, writing and personal development.

A lot of people who when the first time the lay their eyes on the price, they immediately think too themselves “this is too good to be true.” Though logically that’s what they think, their emotions get the best of them and they rationalize the purchase anyway thinking “I have to get it quickly or it won’t be available at this price later on”.

So the person gets the bag for the low price and walks home thinking they got a steal especially since the product comes from a very reputable and well-known retailer and also is of authentic material.

Unfortunately, like when dealing with a man who is too good to be true, you start noticing flaws and things that you’ve overlooked in the past. For instance you may find the bag too small for your liking, as in it won’t be able to hold things like your wallet, digital camera, cell phone, keys, chap stick, and a whole bunch of other things.

You may find the handbag to be too short in some departments to prevent you from comfortably being able to tuck comfortably under your arm. In the end after several trials with the bag, you find that it just doesn’t do it for you the way you hoped. Activities such as dancing and simply doing some window shopping becomes a drag after a while with this handbag.

Sure the bag is cute, but perhaps it’s best advised that you look around a bit more next time to see what you are getting yourself into without rationalizing the situation away.